On Sunday morning, June 1st at 10:00, a press conference of the State Election Commission was held. PKW president Sylwester Marciniak provided the latest information on the vote and called on citizens to follow the rules ensuring the secrecy of the vote.
Electoral silence until the end of the vote
As he recalled Sylvester Marciniak, voter silence is valid until 21:00, i.e. until the polling stations close. This means a complete ban on political agitation and the publication of polls, results or comments that could affect voters' decisions.
Breaking vote silence is treated as an offence, and in any cases even as a crime. The PCW calls for consideration and recalls that there may be severe legal consequences for violating these rules.
How to guarantee the secrecy of the vote? Key motion after vote
During the conference, the president of the Polish National safety Agency paid peculiar attention to one of the fundamental principles of democracy – the secrecy of voting. As he pointed out, this work besides rests on the voters themselves.
– I would like to draw attention to ensuring the secrecy of the vote, after completing the ballot card, it must be submitted and put in the urn – said Marciniak.
Simple motion – folding the card in specified a way that no choice can be seen – protects the privacy of voters and protects against unauthorised disclosure of voting content.
The premises are open until 9:00. PKW urges: let's not wait until the last minute
Election venues will stay open until 21:00but the PCW powerfully encourages not to postpone the vote at the last minute. The earlier the vote, the greater the safety of the election process and the lower the hazard of queues.
– I would urge you to do your civic work beforehand and not wait for the last minute – noted the president of the PCW.
Such an attitude may besides facilitate the work of committee members and prevent unnecessary crowding just before closing the premises.
No incidents erstwhile beginning the premises. The vote goes smoothly
According to Sylvester Marciniak, so far, the vote has gone smoothly.
– We have not received any information about incidents involving the beginning of polling stations or the timely commencement of the vote. No events have been reported that may affect the correct voting behaviour – reported.
This is an crucial communication that confirms that electoral process is unchangeable and safe.
Number of electoral offences and offences – PKW data
Despite the mostly peaceful atmosphere, PKW provided up-to-date statistic on reported offences and crimes:
- 1 study on suspected crime – harm to property.
- 88 reports of offencesof which:
- 77 cases This damage or unlawful removal of notices and electoral banners,
- 60 applications related to violations of the electoral code, including:
- 42 cases of agitation during election silence,
- 15 cases of demolition of electoral material.
Although these are only reports – and not yet confirmed cases – PKW points out that this is significantly lower level of incidents than during the 1st circular of elections.
– The number of reported crimes is little than during the first round, then we had 3 cases, now one. 2 weeks ago 119, and now we have 148 – added Marciniak.
Social importance of the call of the PCW
It is worth noting that the PPW's call for submission of a ballot is not just a method advice – this The foundation of a democratic process. The secrecy of voting is not only a right, but besides an work resulting from the Constitution of Poland. Each voter, submitting a card in specified a way as to keep anonymity, co-creates transparency and fairness of elections.
In a situation of increasing political polarisation and expanding allegations of irregularities, fundamental principles specified as secrecy and timely voting are crucial to public confidence.
Perspective: peaceful choices in a tense atmosphere
Despite the accompanying political tension, Sunday elections – according to PKW relations – have been held so far in an orderly and non-serious manner.
PKW encourages all citizens to active participation in electionsrecalls the applicable rules and ensures transparency of the process. Additional Commission communications are expected in the following hours, in peculiar in the context of attendance and the first voting data.
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PKW issued an urgent message: You gotta do this to keep your voice secret!
